9/28/10

the Basque Country, has been one of our favorite destinations for years. Stuck at the foot of the Pyrenean chain , roads are made of thousands turns, deep green sceneries, it's a real playground for us bikers.We left for three days with 4 Commandos and a Harley Davidson. Our friend "D" with the Rigid/springer gave us a full ride demonstration. This guy knows his machine. Despite some fears, it has been a "wild" trip, as I love them...

Then we moved to the other side, Navarra another Basque Province in northern Spain. It's amazing to see the climate change, we drove (in the middle of July) across the mountains through fog and rain of a rare density. Abruptly, just after the Border, Sun and high temperature were a big contrast. There we found the best restaurant (Venta) around, with basques specialities like calamari with ink, grilled goat and of course Navarra wine ...End of story next week.

9/25/10

On saturday night some look at the TV while others are out. That night Guys took their Lowriders out and went showing off on the Avenue while hot chicks were chucklin' on the sidewalk.Those various ancient times cars from 50's to 90's are outrageously customised.But the most amazing caracteristic is the wheel size, giants or micros but certainly not normal.Of course the sound systemes were spitting Rap and cars were bouncing in rythme with their hydrolic jacks.Nothing surprinsing for the locals, but for me, just landed from the Airport, that was an excellent beginning

9/20/10

Few years ago I've already noticed this brand combining aesthetics and strength with a vintage look without giving a real attention.I realized recently these shoes and boots are made near Ernolsheim, small village in Alsatia, a typical region of North-East France. By chance my wife is native from Ernolhsheim where I regularly go...So we visited the small factory during our last trip there.

In 1934 Eugene Heschung, worker cutter, creates the brand in Dettwiler and specializes in craftmanship "Brodequin" shoe work using authentic Norwegian sewn or stitched Goodyear.

Later in the 50s, the brand makes Ski-shoes for ski trips and skiers from the "Vosges Massif", Thanks to the quality of his products, Heschung become the official provider for the Olympic french team during a period from 1968 to 1972.Winning nine medals in Grenoble's games and eight in the Sapporo's games.The Brand will receive the" Export" Oscar and is represented in Europe, USA and Japan.

Today Heschung designs and manufactures a full range for men and women with timeless design, suitable for classic motorcycle use.

9/14/10

I dreamed of this trip for twenty years, when our friend Jean Claude Barrois offered me this winter to experience the wild adventure. It took no more than a dinner to find the good deal between us, his objective was clear: participate to the Bonneville Speedweek with his 1926 Rudge Bitza.After several months of preparation the bike was ready, and his journey booked.

For us, the choice of vehicle was important because we were six.The itinerary, departing from Los Angeles would lead us to traverse a large loop of several thousands of miles through the "Bonneville Salt Flats" before returning to the starting point. We opted for a 40 feet RV, kind of large boat with wheels, and modern version of theWinnebago.

Two days in The middle of nowhere (Imperial Sand Dunes AZ.) with an electric failure and 122°F

We went through Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California.

The hundreds of films I've seen since my childhood have left an indelible mark with legendary names as Yuma, Arizona, Tucson, Flagstaff or Monument Valley, Grand Canyon etc. ...All reminded me one or more films...

Saguaro Park near Tucson

Galaxy Diner Flagstaff

Grand Canyon at 6pm

Monument Valley at 7pm(Happy hour )

"Stagecoach" John Ford 1939

One landscape will highlight in my memory: Monument Valley, its minimalism and majesty, are beyond anything I could imagine. Immensity of panorama is the most striking thing to my European eyes.

The Great Salt Lake and its "wildlife" has been one of the highlights of this journey.In a next trip I hope to have the entire week on the site ...

After the storm ( Bonneville Utah)

We crossed Nevada by an incredible road : "The Highway 50" aka the loneliest Highway is difficult to imagine as wilderness areas...

Between Eureka and Austin NV.

I have a special affection with San Francisco, she represents everything I love: Geographical situation, between water with the bay and ocean and mountains wildlife in the streets, despite all it's a lively town.

Haight Street

Ocean Beach 8pm

And finally, the coastal road between San Francisco and Los Angeles: Highway One: Big Sur was a wild moment of this trip.Better not fail there !

9/8/10

Live from a yesterday's shot in San Francisco by the Vintagent himself, she is our September Southsider's Babe. No one else but Jacqui Van Ham can bear the name of "Motorcycle Girl" today ! Jacqui wears the inimitable "RUBY" helmet (one of our sponsors). The bike is a Ducati 750 GT from 74. I met Jacqui last month at the Bonneville Speedway. Since our encounter, I bet she must have done at least 4,000 miles riding her BMW. Hey Jacqui, you are beautiful !

9/6/10

05/29/2010Location: South west FranceDepartment:Corbières400kms / 250 Miles

The Corbières (Crow in Occitan) are located in the French Mediterranean region of Languedoc-Roussillon. The roads are very twisty and make it an exceptional bike touring .Carcassonne known for its castle and Lézignan are the major cities. The Corbières are famous for their vineyards and Cathars castles, Quéribus castle and Galamus gorge will be ours goals for the day. The trip was epic, men and machines gave their all ...